Anaerobe Culture
Also known as: MC ANA
Use
Anaerobe Culture is used to diagnose anaerobic bacterial infections. Anaerobic cultures are crucial for detecting organisms that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. Such pathogens are often implicated in infections from sites where oxygen levels are low or where tissue is compromised, such as deep wounds or abscesses. Identifying these organisms allows for appropriate treatment plans, especially in cases where aerobes are not present and typical antibiotics would be ineffective.
Special Instructions
Specimen source is required. If Actinomyces is suspected, it should be indicated. For University of Utah Hospital and affiliated clinics, anaerobic cultures must be paired with an aerobic culture. In cases where aerobic culture isn't ordered, the laboratory will order it automatically. Note that identification and susceptibility tests are billed separately from the culture, and consultation on collection containers or transport can be done by contacting the laboratory.
Limitations
The test is limited to the detection of anaerobic bacteria only and is inappropriate for sites with normal anaerobic flora. Specimen viability and the presence of relevant bacteria can be significantly impacted by the environment; specimens exposed to aerobic conditions are unacceptable. Negative results after incubation indicate the absence of cultivable anaerobes at the time of testing, but do not preclude the presence of viable microorganisms if sampling or transport conditions were compromised.
New York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 635-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
anaerobe transport media (ARUP supply #16426)
Collection Instructions
Collect aspirate, body fluids, tissues, or material from areas without normal anaerobic flora. Place specimen immediately into anaerobe transport media.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen from site with normal anaerobic flora. Exposure to aerobic conditions.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hour |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant